CLEVELAND CRUNCH FALL 7-5 TO TORONTO CRUSADERS IN TOP-OF-THE-TABLE MLIS CLASH

TORONTO, ON, CA - The Cleveland Crunch saw their six-game winning streak snapped on Saturday night, falling 7-5 to the Toronto Crusaders in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the MLIS’s top teams. Both clubs entered the contest riding six-game winning streaks and battling to solidify their position atop the league standings, setting the stage for a playoff-level atmosphere in Canada.

The game opened with elite defensive play on both sides, a clear reflection of why these teams sit among the league’s best. Cleveland struck first when Jannis Schmidt found the back of the net with 13:09 remaining in the opening quarter. Crunch goalkeeper Liam McIntosh followed with several key stops, keeping Toronto at bay early. The Crusaders eventually broke through, however, as Yonis Jama scored to tie the game, sending it into the end of the first quarter deadlocked at 1-1.

The second quarter remained physical and tactical, with both teams playing patient but aggressive soccer. Cleveland regained control when Gabriel Pewu scored early in the quarter off an assist from Chris Cvecko. The Crunch extended their lead late in the half as Sami Mutemwa finished a play set up by Aidan Bozak with 1:36 remaining. Cleveland carried a 3-1 advantage into halftime, with Crunch fans making their presence felt on the road.

Toronto came out firing in the third quarter, cutting into the lead with a goal from Daniel Chamale at 8:35. Momentum swung quickly as Yonis Jama scored again at 7:43, followed by a go-ahead goal from Michael Osorio at 5:09. With the intensity rising, Jama completed his hat-trick with 1:41 left in the quarter. Cleveland responded before the horn, as Carter Hancock scored with :25 remaining to keep the Crunch within striking distance heading into the fourth.

The Crusaders opened the final quarter with a goal from Mehdi Essoussi at 14:27, but Cleveland answered almost immediately. Just 15 seconds later, Captain Dave Jordan buried a goal to pull the Crunch back within one. Defensive pressure dominated the remainder of the game as both teams battled for every possession. Toronto ultimately sealed the win with a late goal from Leaford Allen, holding on for the 7-5 victory.

The Crunch host the Crusaders on Saturday, March 14 in a highly anticipated rematch at the Wolstein Center. Get tickets here. 

PHOTO CREDIT: BILL MCINTOSH